Advanced Wound Care: Specialized Care for Better Healing
When wounds don’t heal as expected, specialized care can make all the difference. Whether caused by surgery, diabetes, vascular disease, pressure injuries, or trauma, chronic wounds require expert evaluation and treatment to promote healing and prevent complications.
This month, we’re highlighting Tahoe Forest’s Advanced Wound Care program and the specialized physical therapists who provide evidence-based care for patients throughout our community. We’re also excited to announce our new clinic location, designed to continue providing convenient, comprehensive wound care services close to home.
Provider Spotlight
Rachel Schirman, DPT, WCC
Clinical Manager – Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Wound Care
Rachel Schirman has been a Physical Therapist at Tahoe Forest Hospital since 2013 and has served as the Clinical Manager of Inpatient Therapy and the Outpatient Wound Care departments since 2015. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of California, San Francisco/San Francisco State University after completing her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University.
After working with patients in the Outpatient Wound Clinic, Rachel became Wound Care Certified (WCC) in 2017 and continues to maintain her certification to ensure patients receive the latest evidence-based wound care treatments.
Born and raised in Truckee, Rachel returned home after completing her education to care for the community she knows and loves. She provides specialized care for patients with chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds in the outpatient clinic while also treating hospitalized patients requiring wound care and mobility rehabilitation.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, their two young children, and their dogs, Luey and Penny.
Contact info
Tahoe Forest Sports Medicine & Therapy Services
10710 Donner Pass Road, 2nd floor, Truckee, CA 96161
Tahoe Forest Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
10051 Lake Avenue, Ste. 3, Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 587-7461 | tfhd.com/orthopedics
Incline Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
880 Alder Ave, 2nd Floor, Incline Village, NV 89451
Featured Therapy
Advanced Wound Care Clinic has moved!
We’re excited to welcome patients to our new location beginning July 27.
Tahoe Forest Multispecialty Clinic – Advanced Wound Care
10800 Donner Pass Road, Suite A103
Truckee, CA 96161
Hours: Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
Phone: (530) 582-3440
Our Advanced Wound Care Clinic is staffed by physical therapists with advanced wound care certifications and specialized training who evaluate and treat a wide variety of complex wounds. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan focused on optimizing healing while reducing the risk of infection and complications.
Many patients are referred by a physician or advanced practice provider (APP) and may receive treatment two to three times per week over several weeks. Through ongoing monitoring and close communication with referring providers, our team helps improve healing, reduce emergency department visits, and minimize the need for additional follow-up appointments.
Services we provide:
- Sharp debridement
- Therapeutic compression wrapping
- Negative pressure wound therapy (wound VAC)
- Total contact casting
- Offloading and pressure reduction techniques
- Skilled dressing selection and dressing changes
- Patient and caregiver education
- Lymphedema management and lymphatic drainage
Injury Prevention Corner
Protect your skin, promote healing
Healthy skin is your body’s first line of defense against infection. Small wounds can become serious if not cared for properly.
Tips to help prevent wounds and promote healing:
- Inspect your feet and skin daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or pressure areas.
- Keep skin clean and moisturized, but avoid excessive moisture between the toes.
- Wear properly fitting shoes and protective footwear.
- Change positions regularly to reduce prolonged pressure if sitting or lying down for extended periods.
- Maintain good nutrition and stay hydrated to support tissue healing.
- Seek medical attention if a wound becomes red, swollen, painful, drains excessively, or does not show signs of healing within a few days.
Early intervention can often prevent a minor wound from becoming a chronic one.
